by Louisa Cadwell

Created on: July 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 12, 2010

"We're moving in together." These words can be the kiss of death for some couples & the breath of life for others. Sharing a home with your significant other before taking a step down the aisle has become a very common choice for many. Essentially, it's a way of trying the married life on for size. It is important to note that although there aren't any rings being exchanged, signing a lease together comes with a similar contract. The added strain of trying to get out of a lease can make a tumultuous break up even more emotionally overwhelming. Unlike love, where I encourage jumping without looking, the decision of moving in together should merit much consideration. Knowing whether or not the time is right in a relationship to make a duplicate house key depends on a number of factors.

Understand that you may know how well you get along with your boyfriend/girlfriend, but constantly cohabiting with one another in a small space can and will change the way you communicate and see eachother. This is something that you both need to come to terms with before anything else. The most off-putting and confusing process that occurs within the first months of living together is the helpless realization that you don't know him/her as well as you thought.

Both individuals in the relationship should be able to embrace and celebrate the notion that even their best friend has the ability to suprise them. There is always something new to learn. One can only hope that the good will outweigh the bad on your giant partner prefrences scale.

Don't hold back any questions. Usually there are hidden implications behind the desire to move in. Many women aren't moving in with a boyfirend just because. If marriage is already in the cards for one of you, vocalize it to the other. You don't want to be caught off-guard when your boyfriend appears shockingly taken aback by the mere mention of marriage after two years of living with eachother. Discuss what your goals are & where you see yourself in five years. This may seem like a really "duh" statement, but you'd be suprised how many people shy away from any topics that they fear will spark a fight or they already know they'll get an answer that they don't like to. It's better to deal with any issues surrounding your futures now rather than losing out after investing years in eachother.

Discuss the basics. Who is paying for what? Who is responsible for what chores? Are there children or pets that will also be making big changes with

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